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15 Unforgettable Roles: Naya Rivera's Movies And TV Shows, Including Her Final Posthumous Appearances

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Few performers leave a legacy that transcends their most famous role, but Naya Rivera’s career, though tragically cut short, is a vibrant tapestry of television and film appearances spanning nearly three decades. As of December 19, 2025, fans continue to celebrate her work, particularly her powerful portrayal of Santana Lopez, a character who became a beacon of queer representation for a generation of young viewers. Her final projects, released posthumously, offer a poignant reminder of her versatile talent, cementing her status as a beloved screen presence.

The most current and compelling updates to her filmography involve her final, completed works, which saw releases after her passing. These roles, ranging from a major animated superhero film to a lighthearted reality television appearance, showcase the breadth of her acting range, ensuring that her voice and talent continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Naya Rivera: A Complete Biography and Career Profile

Before she became a global star, Naya Rivera built a steady career in Hollywood, starting from a very young age. Her biography is a testament to her dedication and natural talent, which allowed her to transition seamlessly from child actor to a celebrated adult performer. The following is a detailed profile of her life and career milestones:

  • Full Name: Naya Marie Rivera
  • Born: January 12, 1987, in Valencia, California, U.S.
  • Parents: George Rivera and Yolanda Previtire
  • Ethnicity: Puerto Rican, African-American, and German descent
  • Early Career Start: Began modeling at nine months old; first major TV role at age four.
  • Breakthrough Role: Santana Lopez on the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee (2009–2015).
  • Notable Achievements: Multiple Screen Actors Guild Award nominations, ALMA Awards, and a lasting cultural impact for her role in LGBTQ+ representation.
  • Passed Away: July 8, 2020 (missing); body found July 13, 2020, following an accidental drowning at Lake Piru, California.
  • Memoir: Sorry Not Sorry: Dreams, Mistakes, and Growing Up (2016).

Her Final Bow: Posthumous Movies and TV Shows

The final entries in Naya Rivera’s filmography are particularly poignant, having been released after her untimely death. These projects offer fans the last chance to experience her talent in new, diverse roles, and they represent the final chapter of her professional acting career.

Voicing Catwoman in the DC Universe

Rivera's final professional acting role was a major one: voicing the iconic anti-heroine Catwoman, also known as Selina Kyle, in the animated feature film Batman: The Long Halloween.

  • Project: Batman: The Long Halloween, Part One (2021) and Part Two (2021).
  • Role: Selina Kyle / Catwoman.
  • Significance: She completed her voice work for both parts of the animated movie in early July 2020, just before her passing. The film is a faithful adaptation of the classic DC Comics storyline, making this a significant and lasting role in the superhero genre.

A Sweet Farewell on Netflix

Her final television appearance was on the reality competition show Sugar Rush: Extra Sweet, which aired on Netflix. Rivera appeared as a guest judge on the baking series, showcasing her vibrant personality and infectious enthusiasm for food. This particular episode was dedicated to her memory, serving as a touching farewell for her television audience.

The Iconic Roles That Defined a Generation

While Naya Rivera’s career was long and varied, her role as Santana Lopez on Glee remains the most influential and career-defining. The musical comedy-drama series, created by Ryan Murphy, served as her global breakthrough and a platform for social change.

Santana Lopez: The Glee Years (2009–2015)

Santana Lopez began as a sassy, mean-girl cheerleader in the New Directions glee club, but her character arc evolved into one of the most important in modern television history. Her journey of self-discovery, particularly her coming out as a lesbian, resonated deeply with the LGBTQ+ community.

  • Cultural Impact: Rivera’s performance was praised for its authenticity and depth, providing crucial representation for queer women of color. She helped normalize and humanize the experience of navigating sexuality and identity on a mainstream platform.
  • Musical Prowess: The role showcased her powerful singing voice and dynamic stage presence, with memorable performances of songs like "Valerie," "Smooth Criminal," and "If I Die Young."
  • Legacy: The "Santana Lopez Legacy Award" was established to honor her work and the impact she had on a generation of queer people.

Beyond Glee: Naya Rivera’s Diverse Filmography

Naya Rivera’s work extended far beyond the halls of William McKinley High School. She consistently sought out roles that challenged her, appearing in everything from horror films to web series and major network dramas. These projects highlight her range as an actress and her commitment to diverse storytelling.

Notable Television Series and Web Series

Rivera was a working actor from childhood, appearing in numerous television shows before her breakthrough role. Post-Glee, she continued to explore new characters in both traditional and digital formats:

  • The Royal Family (1991–1992): Her very first major role at age four, playing Hillary Winston.
  • Guest Roles in the 90s: She had appearances on classic shows like Family Matters, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Baywatch, and Smart Guy.
  • Devious Maids (2015): She appeared in a recurring role as Blanca Alvarez, a mysterious new maid. This role demonstrated her ability to transition to more dramatic, adult-oriented television.
  • Step Up: High Water (2018–2019): Rivera starred as Collette Jones, a former dancer turned administrator, in the YouTube Red/Starz series based on the popular dance movie franchise. This role allowed her to combine her acting and dancing talents.
  • Voice Work: She lent her voice to the animated series American Dad! (2016).

Feature Films and Independent Movies

While her television work is most recognized, Rivera also made several appearances in films, showcasing her versatility across genres.

  • The Naughty List (2013): An animated Christmas film where she lent her voice.
  • At the Devil's Door (2014): A horror film where she took on the lead role of a real estate agent caught up in a supernatural mystery. This was a significant departure from her musical comedy-drama roots.
  • Mad Families (2017): A comedy film where she played a supporting role alongside Charlie Sheen.

Naya Rivera’s filmography is a powerful document of a career dedicated to performance. From her early days as a child star to her cultural phenomenon status on Glee and her final, powerful voice role as Catwoman, she left behind a body of work that continues to inspire and entertain, ensuring her legacy as a versatile actress, singer, and icon of representation endures.

naya rivera movies and tv shows
naya rivera movies and tv shows

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